Holden Village

This summer my mother and I spent a week in the Wenatchee National Forest (WA) at a place called Holden Village. It was originally a copper mining community, but was eventually bought by the Lutheran Church (1950's) as a year round retreat center. Its run mainly by volunteers, short and long term, these photos give one an idea of what the village is like. Holden is accessible only by ferry over Lake Chelan plus a 45 min school bus ride. My family and I visited 20 years ago, so it was amazing to return and realize nothing has changed. Its in such a remote area there are no outside influences, no TV, cell phone reception, or land lines available. One stays in a dormitory setting, shares a shower and bathroom, plus meals are served in a dinning hall where everyone congregates at least 3 times a day. This summer, it was an opportunity for my mother and I to spend some quality time together. We went on daily hikes, sat in on evening talks, and took advantage of the popcorn stand. The community of Holden is constantly changing because families are consistently arriving or departing. However as I stated the ideaologoies and
physical apperance have stayed virtually the same since opening. They request everyones attendance at evening vespers where the community daily acknowledges the new comers and those departing the following morning. A week is a decent amount of time there, but others stay months or days. There are always activities to get involved with or one can sit under a pine tree and read. Its a place that allows one to be who they are without judgment or criticism.

Acts of Aggression/lack of impulse control

This is an ongoing controversy that's stemmed from one punch during a season opener between University of Oregon and Boise State or should I say one player heckling another once the game was over.  Defensive end Byron Hout (Boise) walked up to running back LeGarrette Blount (Oregon), tapped him on the shoulder said some quick words and began walking off, but whatever was said pushed Blount over the edge, he turned around and punched Hout in the nose, knocking him to the ground.  Fortunately Boise state head coach Chris Petersen grabbed Hout before the situation escalated.  However for Blount as he walked into the locker room Boise State fans heckled him, which intensified his rage and he began going after fans.  I watched the scene unfold and I was amazed, it took 3 or 4 people pushing Blount into the locker room before he was out of sight.  This happened the first week of September and now its October, the initial punishment for Blount was for him to be suspended for the remainder of his Senior year, but just a few days ago Chip Kelly head coach for Ducks decided to give Blount a second chance if he proves himself off the field by attending regular anger management meetings and follows academic requirements. He may be able to play as early as November 7th.  The issue that I want to bring up is the fact that Byron Hout of Boise had no repercussions from his actions.  Even head coach Peterson stated it takes two to tango but didn't bother to set an example with Hout's obvious instigation.  One Oregon newspaper that I read threw out the race card since Blount was black he was given the harshest punishment while Hout who is white received nothing.  One can't help but wonder.  The good news is Blount is being given a second or possible third or forth chance, it seems he's had some earlier out bursts during practices too. As we all know this is not the first act of aggression during a college, high school or profession game and it certainly won't be the last, after reading numerous articles and listening to news clips I can't help but wonder what's missing.   I will agree that acts of aggression/violence are few and far between but when they happen its amazing that more people don't get hurt and the media certainly takes ahold of it and runs with it.  As for these two players Blount has apologized to Hout, and Hout's still playing.